A couple of the recent smartphone trends have not been popular with users. We're referring to the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack and display notches. Coincidentally (or not), both of these trends can be traced back to Apple. The "features" didn't originate with Apple, but they weren't trends until they were found in the iPhone. Every manufacturer has their own "courageous" reasons for ditching the headphone jack. Sony recently explained why they did it for the Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact.
Sony has a long history of audio devices. This is the company that created the Walkman and some of the most popular portable CD players back in the day. Removing the headphone jack on the Sony Xperia XZ2 seems like a crime against their roots. Sony published a FAQ that explains why they made the decision to drop the headphone jack.
Why did you remove the headphone jack on XZ2 and XZ2 Compact?
This is part of the shift to our new Ambient Flow design language. In order to create the beautiful seamless design, our designers needed to remove the headphone jack. Plus, we’re aware of the major market trend toward wireless headphones over wired headphones.
The first reason sounds like an excuse. Sony has designed some of the most beautiful Android devices of the last few years. The tiny headphone jack is not something anyone has complained about. The second reason sounds more like the true reason. Sony sells many Bluetooth audio devices, including noise-cancellation over-ear headphones and wireless earbuds. Getting more people to buy these products would be great for them.
Of course, just like with other devices, you can still use wired headphones with the Xperia XZ2. You'll just need the included adapter. Sony is one of many manufacturers saying "goodbye" to the headphone jack. For better or worse, this is the future of smartphone design.